Griffins sign veteran Cleary for 2016-17

The Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday signed veteran forward Daniel Cleary to a one-year contract.

During his first season with the Griffins in 2015-16 — and first in the American Hockey League since 1999-2000 — Cleary played in 35 games for Grand Rapids and contributed 15 points (three goals, 12 assists). The 37-year-old skated in all nine of the team’s Calder Cup Playoff games.

Over the course of his 19-year professional career, Cleary has played in 938 NHL games and 1,121 pro contests, including stints in the AHL, IHL and Swedish Elite League.